April 11 (Reuters) - A new Russian launch vehicle, Soyuz-5, is undergoing its final tests and is "absolutely ready" for use in space projects, Russia's top space official said on Saturday. Dmitry
Russia’s Soyuz-5 Launch Vehicle Ready for Space Projects After Final Testing
Final Preparations and Readiness of Soyuz-5 Launch Vehicle
April 11 (Reuters) - A new Russian launch vehicle, Soyuz-5, is undergoing its final tests and is "absolutely ready" for use in space projects, Russia's top space official said on Saturday.
Presentation to President Putin
Dmitry Bakanov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, was presenting details of the rocket to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the first flight in space by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
Development and Testing Milestones
First New Launch Vehicle Since 2014
Bakanov said the Soyuz-5 would be the first new launch vehicle developed in Russia since 2014.
Joint Project with Kazakhstan
"The new Soyuz-5 launch vehicle is absolutely ready. This is our joint project with our partners in Kazakhstan known as Baiterek," Russian news agencies quoted Bakanov as saying.
"Currently, tests of all units and assemblies are underway."
Vertical Position Testing
Bakanov said the rocket had already been placed during tests in a vertical position as preparations proceeded.
Technical Capabilities and Launch Plans
Payload and Replacement Role
Plans call for the new two-stage rocket, capable of placing payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes in orbit, to be used in place of Zenit rockets.
Baikonur Space Centre Launch Site
Launches will be conducted at the Baikonur space centre dating from Soviet times and now located in Kazakhstan.
Industry Confidence and Outlook
Statements from President Putin
Putin, quoted by Russian news agencies, said Russia's space industry was now "feeling more confident. I know that many problems had accumulated there over a long period of time."
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Paul Simao)
